Sunday, June 1, 2025

My Weekend Whirlwind: Park Hopping on My Trusty Foldie in HSR Layout!

 

My Weekend Whirlwind: Park Hopping on My Trusty Foldie in HSR Layout!

Hey everyone!

We all know how important it is to get our bodies moving, right? So, this past Saturday, May 31st, I decided to ditch the usual routine and embark on a little adventure right here in my own neighborhood of HSR Layout, Bengaluru. My trusty folding cycle, lovingly nicknamed Tiny, was my companion for a delightful exploration of some of our local green spaces.


My first destination was Rajyotsava Park, and it was a breath of fresh air! The park was beautifully green, a welcome escape from the city bustle. As I cycled through, I was quite fascinated to spot a rather large ant hill – nature's little metropolis in the heart of HSR!




What I also found particularly heartening at Rajyotsava Park was the vibrant Senior Citizens Forum. It's wonderful to see such an active community, organizing events and even celebrating birthdays every last Saturday of the month. It truly speaks to the strong sense of togetherness in our area.


Next on my cycling itinerary was Bangalore One Park in Parangipalya. This park has a real centerpiece: a huge, majestic Banyan tree. It was clear that this tree holds significance for many, as I noticed several sacred threads tied around its trunk.


While enjoying the tranquility of Bangalore One Park, I did notice a water leak. Being mindful of our precious resources, I made sure to notify the relevant authorities. Every drop counts, especially in a city like ours!

My third park of the day was Hemavathi Park. As the name suggests (Hemavathi is a river in Karnataka), this park felt particularly lush and green, with a wonderful canopy of trees. It was lovely to see a few people making the most of the Saturday sunshine with a friendly game of shuttlecock.




Finally, I arrived at Independence Park, and wow! This park truly lives up to its name in terms of the sheer abundance of greenery. The tree cover was so dense that the sun barely managed to peek through – a perfect spot for a cool and peaceful stroll. I saw some senior citizens actively using the outdoor gym equipment, and the joyful sounds of kids playing with their parents filled the air. It was a vibrant scene of community enjoying their weekend.



For me, my folding cycle, affectionately called Tiny, is more than just a mode of transport. It's my trusty companion for fun, exercise, and incredibly, for exploring my surroundings at my own leisurely pace. This weekend adventure reminded me of the hidden gems tucked away in the bylanes of HSR Layout, areas you might miss when zipping around in a car.

As I cycled through these smaller streets, I observed a common practice here in Karnataka: residents diligently cleaning their front yards each morning, often adorning them with beautiful rangoli. It's a lovely tradition that adds to the charm of our neighborhoods. However, I also noticed quite a bit of water being used to clean the roads, mainly to keep the dust down. I felt compelled to politely request a few individuals to consider the amount of water being used, gently reminding them of the vital importance of water conservation. In a world facing increasing water scarcity, we all have a role to play. I even requested a couple of people not to spit on the road, as keeping our surroundings clean is a shared responsibility.

Overall, my Saturday park exploration on Tiny was an absolute joy! It was a fantastic reminder that you don't need grand plans to have fun and be active. Sometimes, all it takes is hopping on your bike and exploring what's right in your own backyard.

So, if you're ever feeling a bit bored, I highly recommend dusting off your cycle (folding or otherwise!) and hitting the road. You might be surprised at the little wonders you discover in your own neighborhood.

Now with the fun increasing with cycling, we added one more foldie - yes, we have 2 foldies :)


Happy Cycling!